First published on 14 February 2016.
The rule breaker
Andrea Macdonald, founder of ideaXme, interviews Farooq Chaudhry, producer of the English National Ballet and co-founder of Akram Khan Company. He is a rule breaker, rather than a rule maker. He has been one of the leading artistic disruptors of last 30 years. His many achievements include the creation of a new language of dance.
A teenage rebel
He has come from a very bad place. A teenage rebel who broke into cars and shook up his neighbourhood. One person held his hand and didn’t let go, the result – the world has had the chance to experience a talent which has moved the human story forward.
This is his story. This is his work.
As of today, 15 April 2016, Farooq Chaudhry and ideaXme are delighted to announce that the temporary press embargo has been lifted against publishing this interview.
The Big Idea:
Where do big ideas come from?
Describe the work that you are most proud of and why.
How would you describe the work that you have created with Akram Khan, as distinct from any other form of dance in the World?
You have been credited with creating a new language of dance. What does that mean?
Why is revolution necessary?
How did you become the Creative Producer at the English National Ballet?
Are you chief disruptor at the English National Ballet? If so, could you elaborate?
On leaving your position as Chair of Dance UK you said “progress sometimes hurts and sometimes creates tension” Can you explain?
What makes a great dancer?
If you opened a dance school, what would you do to create exciting and rule breaking talent?
What’s your advice to those who’d like to join Akram Khan Company in the future?
The Human Story
How does dance make you feel?
When did you first discover dance?
Who was the first person to believe in you?
How did your early experiences equip you to become someone who people want to follow?
Coming from a bad place.
Family
Do your daughters want to follow in your footsteps?
Do you dance with them?
What advice would you give to aspiring creators of big ideas?
“Go to the place that you’re most frightened of!”
News:
Giselle
Choreographer Akram Khan to create a brand new version of the iconic romantic ballet Giselle for English National Ballet and Sadler’s Wells Theatre.
Giselle will receive its world premiere at the Palace Theatre in Manchester from 27 September to 1 October 2016. The production will then travel to the Bristol Hippodrome (18-22 October 2016), the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton (26-29 October 2016) and Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London (15-19 November 2016).
She Said
Three New Ballets
English National Ballet’s new triple bill features new pieces created by world-class female choreographers: Aszure Barton, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Yabin Wang. April 13-April 2016.
Update November 2018
International Creative Producer and China’s National Dance Icon Yang Liping
In addition to his work for Akram Khan Company, Chaudhry became the International Creative Producer for China’s national dance icon Yang Liping since January 2016. He was also Creative Producer for English National Ballet in October 2013-2017 and was instrumental in supporting Tamara Rojo in shaping her vision.
Acknowledged as one of the world’s top hundred cultural actors and entrepreneurs
Chaudhry is a witness of the School for Social Entrepreneurs. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged him in a list of the world’s top hundred cultural actors and entrepreneurs. He is also on the advisory board of Global Future, an independent think tank campaigning for Britain to be a vibrant and open nation that reaches out to the world.
Regular speaker in cultural entrepreneurship
Chaudhry is a regular guest speaker in cultural entrepreneurship including the Advanced Cultural Leadership Programme at Hong Kong University and the London Business School.
Credits: Interview by Andrea Macdonald founder ideaXme Ltd
Edited by ideaXme Ltd.
The transcript of this interview has been edited to improve fluency.
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Credits: Andrea Macdonald interview video, text, and audio
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